By Teboho Moloi
BETHLEHEM – Free State police say more arrests are imminent following the takedown of a UIF fraud syndicate operating in the province.
Ten suspects – including a Department of Labour employee – have been arrested in a coordinated operation led by the provincial organised crime investigations unit, with support from crime intelligence and the Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team (TRT).
Police spokesperson Sgt Mahlomola Kareli said nine suspects were arrested in Bethlehem, while the tenth, Mahlatsi Bethuel (44), a Labour department official, was later apprehended in Bloemfontein on Friday, 20 March 2026.
He also faces a separate fraud case dating back to late 2025.
Those arrested in Bethlehem are Kgethisi Molaba (28), Monyoko Mofokeng (33), Thakane Maitse (29), Tsietsi Mokoena (33), Thami Sothole (29), Omphile Mokoena (29), Mokgethi Mofokeng (32), Tebello Mbele (32) and Lehlohonolo Motloung (39).
Investigations have uncovered a scheme in which agents, working with allegedly complicit officials, manipulated the UIF claims system for personal gain.
Fraudulent applications containing fictitious employment details were submitted to trigger payouts.
Kareli said more than R300,000 is believed to have been defrauded from the Department of Labour.
“All suspects have appeared in court and the State did not oppose bail,” he said.
Acting provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Apaphia Modise said the investigation is ongoing, warning that more arrests are expected.
“We remain committed to rooting out corruption and criminality within government systems,” said Modise.
The accused were granted bail of R1,500 each and are expected back in court on 18 May 2026.
